Obituary of Walter Kuzyk

KUZYK - Mr. Walter Kuzyk, former longtime Yorkton teacher, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 24, 2005 at the Yorkton and District Nursing Home. he was 87 years of age. Walter John Kuzyk was born on the family farm near Hafford, Saskatchewan on January 1, 1918; the third child born to John and Wasylyna Kuzyk (nee Kindrachuk). He graduated from Hafford High School and later graduated from Teachers' College (Normal School) in Saskatoon. He served three years in the Canadian Army and while in Regina he met Marcella Tkatchuk. They were united in marriage on July 14, 1946. Walter devoted his life to teaching children and had a teaching span of 40 years. His career included 16 years teaching in rural schools near Krydor, Meath Park, Hudson Bay, Mikado and Wroxton. The last 25 years were spent with the Yorkton Public School system as principal of Columbia and Angus Spice Schools and vice-principal of Victoria School. He achieved his B.Ed. and B.A. degrees from the U.of S. in Saskatoon. He was devoted to his work and his fellow employees. Walter will be remembered as an individual who always did things well and expected that of others. All who knew him remember him for his integrity, wisdom, and caring attitude. He was always willing to give a helping hand. On his retirement he received a meritorious service award in recognition and appreciation for 43 years of service to Education in the province of Saskatchewan. Walter was very interested in community affairs and took an active part. He served as president of the Ukrainian Canadian Professional and Business Association, was a member of the Lion's Club, and was a board member of the Mohyla Institute in Saskatoon. He spent many summers working with the Farm Boys Camp in Yorkton. He was an active member of the Holy Transfiguration Ukrainian Orthodox Church and a member of the Superannuated Teachers of Saskatchewan, Yorkton and District Chapter. Family life was very important to Walter. He cherished visiting his mother, children, grandchildren, brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews. He was always sincerely concerned for his family's well-being. He enjoyed participating in sports. He was particularly skilled at pitching baseball in his younger years. He enjoyed curling, golfing, fishing, and bowling until his failing health. He was faced with a tremendous challenge and he met that challenge by keeping busy. Walter was a resident of the Yorkton Nursing Home for 10 years. He was stricken with Alzheimer's Disease which robbed him of his memories. Predeceased by his wife Marcella in April of 2003; his parents John and Wasylyna; brothers Frank and Joseph Kuzyk; brothers-in-law William Harack and Joseph Semko; and sister-in-law Mary Kuzyk. He leaves to cherish his memory his daughter Sharon (Wally) Matweyko of Saskatoon; his son Barry of Yorkton; his granddaughters Jenna and Cara Matweyko; his brothers Peter and Mike (Anne) of Saskatoon and sisters Mary Harack and Olga (Peter) Prystupa of Hafford; sister-in-law Olga Kuzyk of Saskatoon; and numerous dear nephews and nieces and other relatives and friends. The prayer services were held on Monday evening, March 28, 2005 from Holy Transfiguration Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Yorkton. The funeral service was held on Tuesday morning, March 29, 2005 from Holy Transfiguration Church with Rev. Father Roman Kocur officiating. The cantor was William Kozey, assisted by members of the church choir. The crossbearer was Matt Riabko, the banner bearers were Ed Kucey and Henry Wasylyshyn. The interment followed in the Garden of Crucifixion at the Yorkton Memorial Gardens with David and Donald Harack, Len Semko, Len Harasen, and Ron and George Tkatchuk serving as the casketbearers. At the memorial luncheon, son-in-law Wally gave thanks on behalf of the family and daughter Sharon gave a tribute to her father. Arrangements were entrusted to Bailey's Funeral Home.